Inside The Star
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are a globally recognized group with a rich history that many young girls aspire to join.
Their origin story dates back to 1960, when a group of kids were brought in and were known as the “CowBelles and their Beaux,” who performed during the games.
It wasn’t until the early 1970s that a modern version of the squad—made up of professional dancers—was introduced.
Under the leadership of Tex Schramm, the Cowboys’ GM at the time, the team decided to revamp its cheer squad by recruiting adult women with dance backgrounds.
This transitioned from traditional cheerleading routines to high-energy jazz and precision-style choreography. The change was instantly iconic.
By 1977, the DCC had skyrocketed to national fame and appeared on The Love Boat and graced countless magazine covers.
They became the first NFL cheerleaders to sign endorsement deals and make global appearances, essentially launching the concept of professional cheerleaders as we know it.
Yet, for all their cultural impact, one thing remained painfully stagnant for decades: the pay.
The recent pay raise was confirmed recently, ahead of the NFL season and shortly after the release of Netflix’s hit docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Here’s how compensation changed:
This 400% raise means the DCC are now the highest-paid professional cheerleaders in all of American sports.
The Netflix series didn’t just entertain—it ignited a movement.
Viewers got a raw look behind the sequins and smiles. They saw the exhaustion after late-night practices, the real-life financial strain, and the emotional pressure of maintaining appearances while juggling full-time jobs or being a full-time student.
The documentary made one thing clear: the job was high-stakes, high-performance, and high-visibility—but not high-paying.
The public outcry following the series, combined with behind-the -scenes pressure from cheerleaders and staff, led to the landmark pay adjustment. A veteran dancer called the raise “life-changing.” And it is.
Here’s how the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ new compensation stacks up against other NFL squads:
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (2025)
New York Jets Flight Crew
Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders
Despite the glitz, most NFL cheerleaders still earn under $15,000 a year, often with no benefits. In contrast, the Cowboys have now set a new market standard—one that exposes the vast pay gap and raises the bar for fairness and respect.
This pay increase isn’t just generosity—it’s the result of years of lawsuits, activism, and labor advocacy.
